Murray State University Athletics
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Racers Work On All Aspects Of The Game On Third Day Of Practice
8/8/2006 5:00:00 AM | Football
Murray
MSU opened practice with station work by position before moving into punt blocking stations.
After working on blocking punts, the Racers were quickly re-acquainted with an old friend, the seven-station agility drills. The seven station drill has become a staple to the practices, testing the players physically and mentally.
“We're just taking it one day, and one practice, and one station at a time,” said junior linebacker Nathan Williams. “This is such a different animal with (MSU head) coach (Matt)
In another series of position drills, the wide receivers and cornerbacks worked on downfield blocking and shedding blocks.
Following the position drills, the Racers got their first feel for the new and improved “Racer Nation Re-Hydration Station.” A large tent has been placed on the practice field to shade players during water breaks. The
After the first water break the players worked on kickoffs. The coaches emphasized getting downfield quickly and getting proper separation. Senior punter Tim Wright and freshman kicker Sean O'Brien took turns sending kicks down the field.
The typical 7-on-7 drill was changed to six offensive players going up against seven defensive players. Freshman wide receiver Shane McCleskey turned a 20-yard pass into an 80-yard touchdown after racing down the right sideline.
The team worked with both a long field (80 yards out) and a short field (20 yards out). In the short field situation, junior cornerback Derrick Parrott intercepted a pass and returned it to the end zone.
The team went 11-on-11 for 10 minutes for the second day in a row. Freshman running back Charlie Jordan hit pay dirt from 12 yards out.
Practice ended with work on point-after attempts.
“Practice is going well,” MSU Defensive Coordinator Rich Nagy said. “Guys are working hard and the effort level is the biggest thing we're working on right now. J.R. Webber is doing a great job, both at being a leader and as a free safety. The corners as a group are playing well, they just have to get more consistent.”
At times during the first three days, young players have shined in practice.
“I'm impressed with all our freshman,” Nagy said. “They're working hard and learning.”
“From what we've seen (of the freshmen), it has been a pleasant surprise,” said Williams. “It's so important that they step up for us, we're going to need them.”
The Racers will have their first two-a-day session on Wednesday. Practice No. 4 will begin at
